Unveiling the Scent Shift: Demystifying Body Odour Changes during Menopause
Understanding Changes in Natural Scent and Breath during Perimenopause: Causes and Solutions
As a nutritional therapist and a woman currently navigating the choppy waters of perimenopause myself, I understand the multitude of physical changes our bodies can undergo during this time. One lesser-discussed, yet completely normal aspect of these changes includes alterations in our natural scent and smell of our breath. Yes, I too have been a little startled by these changes. Today, I want to share the reasons behind these changes and some practical, easy-to-follow tips to manage them effectively.
Understanding the Human Scent and Breath
Let's start with the basics. Our natural scent and breath smell are unique to us. They're dictated by factors such as genetics, diet, personal hygiene, and most significantly, hormones. Now, imagine the impact when our hormones decide to go on a roller-coaster ride during perimenopause!
The Impact of Perimenopause on the Body
Perimenopause is a significant phase of transition in a woman's life, where hormonal changes are the main driving force. Our estrogen and progesterone levels fluctuate, often causing hot flashes, mood changes, irregular periods, and yes, changes in our scent and breath too.
The Science Behind Changes in Scent and Breath during Perimenopause
Our friend, estrogen, is intricately linked to how we smell. It helps regulate the pH balance of the vagina, leading to its characteristic scent. As estrogen levels fluctuate during perimenopause, the pH balance may be disrupted, leading to a change in scent.
Similarly, fluctuations in hormones can also impact our oral health. Lower estrogen levels can lead to a dry mouth, making it a playground for bacteria to grow, and thus, causing changes in our breath.
Our body's natural scent and breath are significantly influenced by our hormones. In women, one hormone that plays a crucial role in this aspect is estrogen. Estrogen helps maintain the pH balance in various parts of our bodies, including the vagina. A healthy vaginal pH balance is slightly acidic, which helps ward off harmful bacteria and keeps the natural scent of the vagina pleasant.
During perimenopause, levels of estrogen fluctuate and eventually decline. This fluctuation can disrupt the pH balance, making the environment more alkaline, which can encourage the growth of different bacteria, potentially leading to an altered scent.
Moreover, these hormonal changes can also influence the composition and amount of your sweat. Sweat itself is odourless, but when it combines with the bacteria on our skin, it can produce body odour. As hormonal shifts can cause changes in sweat production during perimenopause, this can also lead to changes in body odour.
As for changes in breath during perimenopause, estrogen again plays a role here. Reduced levels of estrogen can lead to a condition known as "dry mouth." Saliva plays a significant role in cleaning our mouths. It helps remove particles that can cause bad odours and also fights against decay and gum disease. With dry mouth, less saliva is produced, allowing food particles to stay in the mouth longer and thus leading to changes in breath.
Further, menopausal and perimenopausal women often experience gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) or acid reflux. This condition occurs when stomach acid frequently flows back into the tube connecting your mouth and stomach (esophagus), which can cause bad breath.
To sum up, the hormonal changes that occur during perimenopause can have surprising effects on our bodies, including changes in our natural scent and breath. However, understanding these changes can equip us to manage them more effectively.
The Link Between Lifestyle Factors and Changes in Scent and Breath
Now, let's not entirely blame our hormones. Our diet, stress levels, sleep patterns can all have a significant effect on our body's natural scent and breath. Ever noticed a garlic or onion undertone in your breath after a flavourful meal? Or how stress sweat smells more potent? These lifestyle factors can become even more pronounced during perimenopause.
You may have noticed that stress sweat smells different - and often more potent - than regular sweat. This happens because stress activates different sweat glands (the apocrine glands) that produce sweat high in proteins and lipids. When the bacteria on our skin break down these proteins and lipids, it creates a more intense odor compared to regular sweat.
Debunking Myths Around Perimenopause and Body Odour
One important myth to bust is that changing body odour or breath during perimenopause doesn't mean there's something wrong with you. It's a natural process, albeit a somewhat inconvenient one, tied to hormonal and lifestyle changes.
Practical Ways to Manage Changes in Scent and Breath during Perimenopause
Alright, enough about the whys. Let's talk about the 'what we can do.' Here are some effective and practical tips:
Mind your Diet: Adopt a diet that is abundant in fresh fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains. Foods rich in chlorophyll such as spinach, parsley, and other green leafy vegetables can naturally deodorise your body. Try to limit consumption of pungent foods like onions and garlic, and reduce caffeine and alcohol, which can exacerbate body odor and bad breath. Drink plenty of water to stay hydrated and help cleanse your system.
Stay Active: Regular physical activity helps to regulate hormones and boosts your metabolism. Exercise also promotes sweating, which is your body's natural way of eliminating toxins that can contribute to body odor.
Emphasise Hygiene: Bathe regularly and consider using natural soaps.
Here are some natural ingredients commonly found in soaps that can help with menopausal body odour:
Tea Tree Oil: Known for its antibacterial properties, tea tree oil can help combat odor-causing bacteria on the skin.
Lavender: Lavender has a pleasant scent and possesses antimicrobial properties that can help neutralise body odour.
Lemon or Citrus Extracts: Citrus fruits are often used in soaps for their refreshing scent and natural deodorising properties.
Eucalyptus: Eucalyptus oil has a cooling effect and antimicrobial properties, which can help control body odour.
Sage: Sage has natural antibacterial properties and can help reduce excessive sweating and body odour.
Rosemary: Rosemary has a refreshing scent and contains natural antimicrobial properties that can help combat body odour.
Chamomile: Chamomile has soothing properties and can help alleviate inflammation and discomfort associated with menopausal body odour.
Aloe Vera: Aloe vera has a cooling and moisturising effect on the skin and can help reduce body odour.
Witch Hazel: Witch hazel has astringent properties and can help tighten pores, reduce sweat production, and minimise body odour.
Baking Soda: Baking soda is known for its ability to absorb and neutralise odors. It can be added to soaps or used as a natural deodorant ingredients
Good oral hygiene practices, such as brushing at least twice a day, flossing, and using a mouthwash, can help maintain fresh breath. Besides regular brushing and flossing, you can also use natural remedies to maintain oral health. Baking soda is a natural teeth whitener and deodoriser; you can use it as an occasional rinse. Oil pulling with coconut oil is an ancient practice that can help freshen your breath and promote oral health.
Here are some natural remedies and ingredients that can help alleviate menopausal bad breath:
Green Tea: Green tea contains polyphenols and antioxidants that can help reduce oral bacteria and freshen breath. It also helps in maintaining oral hygiene.
Probiotics: Probiotics, such as yogurt or kefir, can help promote a healthy balance of oral bacteria and improve breath odor.
Parsley: Chewing on fresh parsley leaves can help neutralize bad breath due to its chlorophyll content, which acts as a natural deodorizer.
Lemon or Lime Juice: Rinse your mouth with diluted lemon or lime juice to help combat bad breath. The acidic nature of these fruits can help reduce bacteria in the mouth.
Cloves: Chewing on whole cloves or using clove oil can help freshen breath. Cloves contain eugenol, a natural antiseptic that can help kill bacteria in the mouth.
Fennel Seeds: Chewing on fennel seeds can help freshen breath and stimulate saliva production, which helps wash away odor-causing bacteria.
Peppermint: Peppermint leaves or peppermint oil can be used as a natural breath freshener. It has antibacterial properties and a refreshing scent.
Water: Staying hydrated by drinking plenty of water helps maintain saliva production, which is important for reducing dry mouth and preventing bad breath.
Proper Oral Hygiene: Regular brushing, flossing, and tongue cleaning are essential for maintaining oral health and reducing bad breath.
Avoiding Certain Foods: Limiting or avoiding foods with strong odors, such as garlic, onions, and spicy foods, can help improve breath odor.
Natural Deodorants: With growing concerns over aluminum in antiperspirants, more and more people are turning to natural deodorants. Look for ones that are aluminum-free and made with natural ingredients like coconut oil, shea butter, baking soda, and essential oils. Some good examples include Native Deodorant, Schmidt's Naturals, and Lume Deodorant. Remember, it may take some time to find the right natural deodorant that works best for you.
Cotton Clothing and Underwear: Cotton is a breathable fabric and allows air circulation to your skin, which can help reduce sweat and body odor. Similarly, cotton underwear can help maintain a healthy balance in your vaginal area.
Herbal Teas: Certain herbal teas like green tea and peppermint tea can help freshen your breath. They also have antibacterial properties that can help manage body and vaginal odours.
Vaginal Probiotics: These can help maintain the natural balance of good bacteria in your vagina, which can help manage any changes in vaginal smells during menopause. For vaginal health, avoid douching or using scented products as they can disrupt the natural balance of good bacteria. Opt for mild, fragrance-free soaps.
Mindful breathing and relaxations Techniques: Stress can alter your body's scent. Practicing mindfulness, deep breathing exercises, or yoga can help manage stress levels, positively impacting your body's natural scent.
Sleep Well: Ensure you're getting quality sleep each night, as sleep deprivation can lead to increased stress and hormonal imbalances, thereby impacting body odour and breath.
Quit Smoking: Smoking can cause unpleasant mouth odor. If you're a smoker, consider quitting not only for your breath but for overall health benefits.
Seeking Medical Help
If changes in scent and breath become bothersome or are affecting your self-esteem and daily life, don't hesitate to seek medical help. Options such as Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) or specific oral health treatments could provide relief.
Navigating perimenopause can be a challenging journey, filled with unexpected changes. Remember, you're not alone, and these changes in scent and breath are a normal part of the process. With some lifestyle modifications and, if necessary, medical help, we can manage these effectively. After all, this is a new chapter in our lives and, trust me, it can be embraced with grace, understanding, and a touch of humour.
Navigating perimenopause can be a complex journey, but you don't have to do it alone. Whether you're dealing with changes in scent and breath, struggling with diet and lifestyle modifications, or simply need someone to share your concerns with, I'm here to help.
Why not take the first step towards feeling like yourself again? Book a FREE discovery call with me today. Let's discuss your symptoms, your lifestyle, and how I can guide you in managing these changes effectively. Click the link below to schedule your call.
Remember, every journey begins with a single step. Let's take this step together towards a healthier and more comfortable perimenopause journey.
